§ 16e Residence Act
The internship visa according to Section 16e Residence Act only applies to certain types of internships in Germany. Whether an internship is visa-relevant depends on its type, Duration and status of the applicant from – not that it is unpaid or in a company.
Which internship requires which visa
The internship visa according to Section 16e does not apply to every internship. Type and status determine which regulation applies.
Mandatory internship during your studies
As part of a foreign university course prescribed. The internship is part of the curriculum. Max. 6 months. Proof of enrollment and internship contract required.
Needs § 16eVoluntary study internship
Internship during your studies, not compulsory, but verifiable in relation to the content of the course. Max. 6 months. Proof of study required.
Needs § 16eProfessional internship after graduation
If you already have a degree and then work as an intern: no § 16e, but § 18 AufenthG (Work visa for skilled workers). The internship visa is only valid for students.
Needs Section 18Requirements
The internship visa according to § 16e is one of the most accessible visas – but it only applies to students. Anyone who does not have active student status requires the work visa according to Section 18, not the internship visa.
Student status, internship contract and financing
Alternative: Study visa § 16b Professional internship: Section 18 work visaThe internship must be completed during ongoing studies. A current certificate of enrollment from a recognized university is mandatory. Anyone who has already completed their studies or is taking a break is out of the question for Section 16e.
Either the internship is a compulsory internship according to the study regulations (provable by the letter from the university) or the content is clearly related to the subject of study. An IT student working in a marketing company, must be able to justify the connection.
A written internship contract with the German company must be available. It must contain the start, end, weekly working hours and the job description. Max. 6 months total duration.
The embassy checks whether financing for the duration of the internship is secured. Internship remuneration is taken into account - an unpaid internship is also possible, if the livelihood is proven otherwise. Guideline: approx. €700-1,000 per month.
Documents & Remuneration
The internship visa requires fewer documents than other visas. The internship contract and proof of studies are the crucial documents.
Full list and what applies to payment
| document | Note |
|---|---|
| Valid passport + 2 copies | Min. Valid for 6 months after the end of the internship |
| 2 biometric photographs | 35×45 mm, white background, current |
| Completed visa form | Online, printed, signed |
| Certificate of enrollment | Current and valid for the internship period; from a foreign university |
| Internship contract | With start, end, job description, weekly hours and remuneration or confirmation unpaid |
| Evidence of study context | For compulsory internship: letter from the university. If voluntary: justification of the connection |
| Financial proof | Bank statements or internship remuneration as proof; for unpaid internships: equity or guarantee |
| Proof of health insurance | For the entire duration of the internship; Statutory health insurance or private health insurance that covers Germany |
| Visa fee | 75 € (cash or card, depending on the embassy) |
Mandatory internships of up to 3 months can be carried out in Germany without a minimum wage. From 4 months onwards, the statutory minimum wage also applies to compulsory internships. Voluntary internships are subject to the minimum wage from the first day (2025: €12.82/hour), if there is no exception.
| Internship type | Minimum wage requirement | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory internship of up to 3 months | No minimum wage | Must be proven to be compulsory through study regulations |
| Mandatory internship from 4 months | Minimum wage mandatory | 12.82 €/hour from the first day of the 4th month |
| Voluntary internship (all lengths) | Minimum wage mandatory | From day one; Exceptions only for studies of up to 3 months |
| Orientation internship up to 3 months | No minimum wage | Only if for career orientation, no focus on employee performance |
No active student status – no internship visa. Anyone who has already completed their degree needs a work visa in accordance with Section 18 of the Residence Act.
The application process
Find an internship via job portals, company websites or university contacts. Contract must contain start date, end date, weekly hours and field of activity. For compulsory internships: Obtain a letter from the university confirming its compulsory nature.
The certificate of enrollment must be valid for the entire internship period. For compulsory internship: Additionally, the official letter from the university confirming the requirement in the study plan.
The enrollment certificate must be presented in German or with a certified translation.Book an appointment early – waiting times for the internship visa can also be 4-12 weeks. Prepare all documents completely. Certified translations from a sworn translator.
Short conversation. The embassy checks student status, internship contract and financing. Processing time: 2-6 weeks.
For stays of more than 3 months: Register your accommodation at the residents' registration office within 14 days. The internship may only be carried out for the duration agreed in the contract. An extension of more than 6 months is not possible as a § 16e visa.
You are planning an internship in Germany and are not sure which visa applies.
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As of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.